Rayong: the EEC's Industrial Boomtown Gears Up for a Workforce Surge
Rayong is a province in eastern Thailand that is highly ranked as one of the economic powerhouses in the country. The province earns over 79% of its revenue from the industrial sector and is home to more than 17 industrial estates, primarily located in Pluak Daeng, Nikhom Phatthana, and Mueang Rayong districts, which are conveniently connected to the industrial zones of Chonburi.
The industrial sector is a key component of Rayong's economy, with a total of 3,075 factories employing over 196,526 workers. This has positioned Rayong as the wealthiest province in Thailand for nearly a decade, boasting a GPP per capita of 1,043,757 THB per year (data from the Department of Industrial Works, 2022).

The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) project, which is set to continue until 2029, aims to develop infrastructure to enhance the industrial city's capabilities, foster new S-Curve industries, and attract new talent. Key projects are expected to be completed by 2027, including the EEC Silicon Tech Park, a digital innovation and advanced technology center in Ban Chang, and the development of the country's third major airport, with the first phase anticipated to open by 2027. Other projects, such as the dual-track and single-track railways connecting Rayong to Chanthaburi and Trat, are expected to be completed by 2028, along with high-speed rail linking three major international airports: Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-Tapao.

In addition to its industrial sector, Rayong's tourism is also noteworthy, featuring natural attractions like Khao Laem Ya, located within the Khao Laem Ya-Mu Ko Samet National Park, known for its beautiful scenery and becoming a popular check-in spot. Thung Prong Thong is a serene conservation area in the community of Ban Sam Phu, featuring a 2 km nature walk. Cultural sites such as Phra Chedi Klang Nam, an important historical monument located on an island in the Rayong River, and Suan Lamai, a 500 Rai fruit orchard offering fresh fruit buffets, are also major attractions.

The industrial and tourism potential significantly contributes to the growth of the real estate market in Rayong, catering to the housing needs of workers, particularly expatriates, who are mostly high-level employees and executives. In 2022, the number of foreign workers reached 11,848, primarily from Japan, China, and South Korea. They not only enjoy high salaries but also receive housing allowances of about 15-30% of their base salary.

Besides serviced apartments, condominiums are also in high demand in Rayong, prompting continuous supply from developers. The investment potential for condominiums can yield an average rental return of 5%-7% per year, with rental prices ranging from 5,000 to 18,000 THB per month depending on the unit size. The average capital gain is around 3%-5% per year, with the primary tenants being workers from various industrial estates in Rayong, including both Thai and expatriate employees.